Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. At Boots Pharmacy, Mounjaro is available through their private weight management service, with monthly costs typically ranging from £179 to £299, depending on the prescribed dose. This pricing includes clinical consultations, ongoing monitoring, and lifestyle support. As Mounjaro is not routinely available on the NHS for weight management, understanding the full cost implications and access pathways is essential for patients considering this treatment option.

Mounjaro Pricing at Boots Pharmacy

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. At Boots Pharmacy, Mounjaro is available through their private weight management service, with pricing that reflects both the medication cost and associated clinical support.

As of 2024, the indicative cost of Mounjaro at Boots typically ranges from £179 to £299 per month, depending on the prescribed dose. The treatment follows a dose-escalation schedule, starting at 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then potentially increasing in 2.5 mg increments (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg) to a maximum maintenance dose of 15 mg based on individual response and tolerability. Initial starter doses are generally at the lower end of this price range, with higher maintenance doses typically costing more.

It is important to note that these costs include more than just the medication itself. Boots' service typically incorporates an initial clinical consultation with a prescriber, ongoing monitoring, and access to lifestyle support resources. Patients should budget for a minimum commitment of several months, as tirzepatide requires gradual dose titration and sustained use to achieve meaningful weight loss outcomes.

Prices may vary due to supply considerations, dose strength, and whether patients are new to the service or continuing treatment. Patients are advised to contact their local Boots pharmacy or check the Boots Online Doctor weight management service for current pricing, as costs are subject to change.

Mounjaro is subject to additional monitoring in the UK (indicated by the black triangle symbol ▼), which allows quick identification of new safety information.

NHS vs Private Prescription Costs

The availability and cost of Mounjaro differ significantly between NHS and private routes, reflecting current prescribing guidance and funding decisions. Understanding these differences is essential for patients considering this treatment option.

NHS Availability: As of 2024, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not routinely available through NHS prescription for weight management in most areas of the UK. While the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has licensed tirzepatide for obesity treatment, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance on its use within the NHS for weight management is still under development. It's important to note that tirzepatide is NICE-recommended and available on the NHS for treating type 2 diabetes (NICE TA928), but this is separate from its weight management indication.

If prescribed through the NHS, patients would pay the standard prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item in England, with exemptions for certain groups, while prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

Private Prescription Costs: The vast majority of Mounjaro prescriptions for weight management are issued privately, with indicative monthly costs ranging from £179 to £299 through services like Boots, or potentially higher through other private clinics and online prescribing services. These costs are borne entirely by the patient, as private prescriptions for weight management are not reimbursed by the NHS.

Cost-Benefit Considerations: Patients should weigh the substantial financial commitment—potentially £2,000 to £3,500 annually depending on dose and service—against expected health benefits. Clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1) demonstrate that tirzepatide can produce average weight loss of 15-20% of body weight over 72 weeks when combined with lifestyle interventions, though results may vary between individuals and weight loss is typically lower in people with type 2 diabetes. For individuals with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea, the investment may yield significant health improvements. However, treatment must be continued long-term to maintain weight loss, making affordability a crucial consideration.

How to Access Mounjaro Through Boots

Accessing Mounjaro through Boots Pharmacy involves a structured clinical pathway designed to ensure patient safety and treatment appropriateness. The process combines remote consultation technology with professional clinical oversight.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for Mounjaro through Boots, patients typically must meet specific criteria aligned with the medication's licence. This generally includes having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia). Patients must be aged 18 or over.

According to the UK product information, Mounjaro is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients. It should not be used during pregnancy and should be avoided during breastfeeding. Patients should be aware of important warnings regarding pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, risk of dehydration, and thyroid disease.

The Application Process: Patients begin by completing an online health questionnaire through the Boots Online Doctor service or by visiting a participating Boots pharmacy. This assessment covers medical history, current medications, previous weight loss attempts, and lifestyle factors. A qualified prescriber—either a GP or independent prescriber pharmacist—reviews the application. If approved, the prescriber issues a private prescription and provides guidance on administration, expected side effects, and lifestyle modifications.

Ongoing Monitoring: Treatment initiation includes education on subcutaneous injection technique, as Mounjaro is administered weekly via pre-filled pen. Boots provides follow-up consultations at regular intervals to monitor weight loss progress, assess tolerability, and adjust dosing. Treatment continuation is typically reviewed based on response and tolerability.

Practical Considerations: Medication is typically delivered to the patient's home address or can be collected from a nominated Boots pharmacy. Patients should store Mounjaro in a refrigerator (2-8°C); do not freeze; and keep in the original carton to protect from light. The pen may be kept at room temperature for a limited period as specified in the product information. Supply interruptions have affected GLP-1 receptor agonists periodically due to high demand.

Patients should report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app).

Alternative Weight Management Options and Costs

For patients unable to afford or access Mounjaro, several alternative weight management options exist within both NHS and private sectors, each with distinct cost implications and evidence bases.

NHS Tier 2 and 3 Services: The NHS offers structured weight management programmes at no direct cost to patients. Tier 2 services provide community-based lifestyle interventions, including dietary advice, physical activity support, and behavioural change programmes, typically delivered over 12-16 weeks. Tier 3 services offer more intensive, specialist multidisciplinary support for individuals with complex obesity, often including psychological input and management of comorbidities. Tier 4 corresponds to bariatric/metabolic surgery. Referral criteria and waiting times vary by region, but these services represent the most cost-effective option for many patients.

Alternative Medications: Other licensed weight management medications available in the UK include Orlistat (available over-the-counter at approximately £20-40 monthly or on NHS prescription), which works by reducing fat absorption, and Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to Mounjaro but with different dosing. Wegovy costs approximately £150-250 monthly through private prescription and may be available through NHS specialist services following NICE guidance. Saxenda (liraglutide), another GLP-1 agonist, costs around £150-200 monthly but requires daily injections rather than weekly administration. Availability of these medications may be affected by supply constraints, as noted in DHSC/NHS supply alerts.

Bariatric Surgery: For individuals with BMI ≥40 kg/m² (or ≥35 kg/m² with comorbidities), bariatric surgery represents a highly effective intervention. NICE guidance (CG189) recommends lower BMI thresholds for certain ethnic groups and for people with type 2 diabetes (NG28). NHS-funded surgery is available following assessment by specialist services, though waiting times can be substantial. Private bariatric surgery costs £8,000-15,000 but offers durable weight loss and metabolic benefits.

Commercial Weight Loss Programmes: Evidence-based commercial programmes such as Weight Watchers (WW) or Slimming World cost approximately £5-10 weekly and may be prescribed through the NHS in some areas. These provide structured support, accountability, and peer networks, with moderate evidence for effectiveness when combined with increased physical activity and dietary modification.

Frequently Asked Questions